Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is reportedly expressing regret over a recent driver dismissal that now appears to be contributing to a growing list of issues for the reigning Formula 1 champions. With internal pressures rising and on-track performance slipping below expectations, sources close to the team suggest Horner has privately admitted that the team may have acted too hastily in cutting ties with one of its former drivers.
While Red Bull has enjoyed dominant form over the past two seasons—largely due to the brilliance of Max Verstappen—the team has faced increasing scrutiny over its second seat. Sergio Pérez, who currently partners Verstappen, has struggled for consistency in recent races, failing to reach Q3 in multiple qualifying sessions and falling short of podium finishes. These inconsistencies have opened the door for rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes to close the gap.
Internally, Red Bull has long relied on its junior driver program, using AlphaTauri (now known as RB) as a proving ground. However, frequent driver shuffles—often mid-season—have raised questions about stability and long-term planning. One recent example, which appears to be at the heart of Horner’s alleged regret, was the dismissal of a young driver who many believe wasn’t given adequate time to develop.
The driver in question, though not officially named in Horner’s remarks, is believed to be Nyck de Vries, who was dropped midway through the 2023 season after only ten races with AlphaTauri. De Vries, a Formula E world champion and a former Mercedes reserve, was brought in with high expectations but struggled to adapt quickly to F1 machinery.
With the current driver lineup underperforming and limited immediate replacements ready from the Red Bull Junior Team, Horner reportedly admitted during internal discussions that the team might have been better off investing more time in de Vries’ development rather than reacting under pressure.
“We’re in a position now where we don’t have a clear-cut Plan B,” one source said. “There’s definitely a sense that we moved too quickly with some decisions, and that’s something Christian has acknowledged.”
This reflection comes at a time when Red Bull is facing growing external pressure—not only from rival teams, but also from within. Speculation surrounding Pérez’s contract renewal continues to swirl, and former Red Bull talents like Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo are rumored to be eyeing a return to the top team.
Meanwhile, Verstappen remains untouchable on race day, but concerns are mounting over whether Red Bull’s dominance can last if the team continues to be undermined by driver imbalance and internal uncertainty.
If Horner’s reported regret signals a change in philosophy, it could mark a turning point for how Red Bull handles its driver development pipeline. But with the British Grand Prix just around the corner, and the Constructors’ Championship suddenly less certain, the F1 giants have little time to reflect—and everything to lose.
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